The changing morphology of the gulf cities in the age of globalisation: the case of Bahrain

摘要: Abstract Cities in the Gulf region have been witnessing dramatic changes their morphology and internal structures during last three decades due to successive shifts from endogenous exogenous types of urban growth. In past, space was mainly shaped by tribal structure economy subsistence that is based on fishing, pearl trading and/or farming. After discovery oil, a first shift towards an form occurred. Due accumulation wealth, kingdom adopted distributive comprehensive welfare policy, became major unique actor shaping city. At present, second stage “exogeneity” occurring globalisation. The installation large multi-national companies, liberalisation integration with world banking system are having direct impact socio-economic, cultural thus, morphology. Bahrain seems reflect stages through changing its two main cities; Muharraq Manama. Analysed light endogenous–exogenous model, it opens debate conditions for survival old cities defines theoretical framework approach management planning be adopted.